America’s Most Stress-Free Airports

(Photo: Thinkstock)

Sarah Pascarella has a master's degree in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College, where she specialized in magazine writing and nonprofit publishing. She is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the New England Writers association.

In the grand scheme of things, going to the airport is about as relaxing as a visit to the dentist or the DMV. But here’s where you might be surprised: Hidden around the country, sometimes in plain sight, are airports that are working hard to give travelers a pleasant and even (dare we say it?) enjoyable travel experience. We compared airports from coast to coast and chose 10 that stood out with traveler-friendly amenities, hassle-free security, laid-back atmospheres, and fun diversions ranging from great shopping to art galleries. Check out our picks for America’s most stress-free airports, and be sure to tell us about your own favorites in the comments section under each photo.

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Image Gallery

(Photo: Port of Seattle/Sea-Tac Airport)

Seattle, Washington

Efficient and entertaining may best describe Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Past travelers have raved about the fast-moving security lines and friendly TSA personnel, as well as a versatility of options—if one queue seems long, you're likely to find a shorter one nearby. Once you're through security, there are plenty of diversions to make the wait for your flight seem to go faster: Every concourse features multiple eateries and stores, many with Pacific Northwest flair (brew pubs and coffee companies are well represented). For those wanting a bit of pampering before a flight, there is a massage bar and a nail salon for quick pick-me-ups. High-speed wireless Internet access is available throughout the airport for no additional charge.

(Photo: Port of Seattle/Sea-Tac Airport)

Seattle, Washington

Efficient and entertaining may best describe Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Past travelers have raved about the fast-moving security lines and friendly TSA personnel, as well as a versatility of options—if one queue seems long, you're likely to find a shorter one nearby. Once you're through security, there are plenty of diversions to make the wait for your flight seem to go faster: Every concourse features multiple eateries and stores, many with Pacific Northwest flair (brew pubs and coffee companies are well represented). For those wanting a bit of pampering before a flight, there is a massage bar and a nail salon for quick pick-me-ups. High-speed wireless Internet access is available throughout the airport for no additional charge.

(Photo: Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport)

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Wellness is the name of the game at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Stretch your legs and get your heart pumping on the 1.4-mile walking path, located in Terminal One. Or, take a few minutes to reflect and re-center in the airport's "quiet seating area" on the mezzanine. If the kids are getting antsy, take them to one of the airport's three arcades; two designated play areas; or the Family Center, which features a rocking chair, a crib, and family-friendly restroom facilities. Finally, befitting the nearby Mall of America, the airport has a plethora of retail and dining establishments, with both local and national options well represented, to help take your mind off your wait.

(Photo: Palm Springs International Airport)

Palm Springs, California

Imagine waiting for your flight while sitting outside under the palms as you relax with a glass of wine. No, it's not a fantasy from bygone days: You can do just that at Palm Springs International Airport, where you'll find a courtyard featuring patio seating, a wine bar, and a Starbucks, as well as play spaces for both kids and pets. Plus, free wireless Internet access is available throughout the airport for those wanting to get connected. You'll also find an award-winning PGA Tour Shop (this is Palm Springs, after all), a smoothie bar, and artwork by glass artist Dale Chihuly. The small size and open-air layout create an overall relaxed environment, with minimal hassles.

(Photo: Tucson International Airport)

Tucson, Arizona

It seems odd to call an airport "artsy," but that's the overall mood at Tucson International Airport. Small and serene, the airport doubles as a museum: There are more than 40 works in the airport's permanent collection, including a Native American gallery featuring crafts and art from local artisans. The airport also hosts rotating exhibits and a Live at TIA! performing arts program. Beyond creative diversions, the airport features massage chairs throughout the building, free Wi-Fi, and restaurants with options ranging from tacos to sushi. With its compact size (only 20 gates in all ), you'll never have to transport your bags very far, nor rush to get to your gate.

Austin, Texas

There are so many things to see and do in Austin, it's hard to hit all the hot spots in just one visit; however, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport makes it easy for travelers to get to several local favorites before heading home. The airport has branches of The Salt Lick (barbecue), Amy's Ice Creams, and Ruta Maya Coffee, among other eateries. The airport's boutiques trend local, too, with outposts for BookPeople, Austin City Limits/Waterloo Records, and SoCo Market. For those needing some kneading, the massage parlor Knot Anymore offers chair massages in 10- to 30-minute increments. Finally, if you didn't get your fill of live music downtown, you may be fortunate enough to catch a live show during the airport's Music in the Air concert series, held weekdays throughout the terminals.

(Photo: T.F. Green International Airport)

Providence, Rhode Island

If you're traveling to New England, consider Providence's T.F. Green Airport as a kinder, more pleasant alternative to Boston's Logan. Small but efficient, with an emphasis on key services, T.F. Green gets travelers through security quickly and on their way with minimal fuss. Once you've passed screening, treat yourself to a chair massage, manicure, and/or pedicure at the airport's massage therapy and nail salon. On-site restaurants and retailers have a real local flavor—you can find an oyster bar; an Italian restaurant; and two shops featuring local crafts, apparel, and foods. And with only 22 gates, you won't have to sprint to make a connection or take shuttles between terminals.

(Photo: Coastal Carolina Regional Airport)

New Bern, North Carolina

With only 10 flights daily, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (formerly known as Craven Regional Airport) is never crowded. Servicing the Crystal Coast region, this sleepy airport is the antithesis of North Carolina's bustling larger airports like Raleigh and Wilmington; here you'll find minimal waits both at security and at your gate. Take a book, a cup of coffee, and a snack and kick back in a rocking chair, the preferred form of seating around the terminal. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, so you can surf the web at your leisure while awaiting your plane.

(Photo: Orlando International Airport)

Orlando, Florida

Orlando International Airport is all about servicing Disney, also known as the "Happiest Place on Earth," so you can expect that same upbeat attitude when you arrive and depart. With so many families coming through each day, the airport is full of useful amenities, including gift shops from both Disney and Universal Studios, a Ron Jon Surf Shop, an arcade, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants. There are also family-only security lines, enabling those with little ones to move at their own pace, while also freeing up other lines for those who need to get through the screening a little faster. Lauded for its cleanliness, easy navigation, and pleasant staff, the airport now also offers free Wi-Fi access in all public spaces. Additionally, if you're staying at a Disney resort, check with your hotel and airline to see if you qualify for the theme park's complimentary airport service, which offers a host of arrival and pre-departure services to make your trip a breeze.

(Photo: Branson Airport)

Branson, Missouri

New on the scene, the privately owned Branson Airport may make you forget you're in an airport at all. Designed to evoke a rustic lodge, the Branson airport features exposed wood beams, a water wheel, a general store, and a barbecue restaurant. The staff makes customer service a priority, from arrival to departure: Greeters welcome travelers the moment they enter the building, and employees with a free minute will come out to the runway for the "Branson Wave" to say goodbye to a departing plane. For those returning rental cars, porters arrive to courier travelers' bags straight from the trunk, making the experience less cumbersome. Additionally, many staff members are cross-trained to serve a variety of functions, so travelers can expect short wait times and attentive service, regardless of need or inquiry.

(Photo: Palm Beach International Airport)

Palm Beach, Florida

A peaceful vibe at an airport? Believe it! The staff at Palm Beach International Airport wants travelers to feel relaxed, whether arriving for a beach vacation or returning home, and have designed amenities and services with that laid-back feeling in mind. Get in one last round of golf at the main terminal's indoor putting green, where you can practice your aim while awaiting your flight. Those needing to get back to work or catch up online can access complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Known for customer service, the airport also gets high marks for short wait times at check-in and security, so even if you're running late, you shouldn't have to stress about making your flight.

Which airports have you found to be the most stress-free and traveler-friendly? Share your favorites by submitting a comment below!